Whether you’re in a forest clearing, a school field, or a local park, nothing beats the thrill of a wide game to burn off energy and build teamwork. These large-scale outdoor games are perfect for Cubs, as they’re action-packed, easy to set up, and a great way to get everyone involved!
Inspired by classic Scout favourites (and with a few creative twists of our own), here are 8 wide games to try with your group!
1.
Shadow Hunters
Best for: Dusk or low light
What you need: Torches or glow sticks
Split the Cubs into two teams: Hunters and Shadows. The Shadows get a short head start to hide around the area, marked with glow sticks or wearing reflector bands. The Hunters must track and tag them using torches, and once tagged, Shadows join the Hunters. Play until everyone’s caught, or swap roles for a rematch!
Tip: Great fun as an evening activity – just make sure the area is safe and boundaries are clear.
2.
Nest Raiders
Best for: Open fields or woodland
What you need: Cones or hoops as ‘nests’, beanbags as ‘eggs’
Split into two teams. Each team has a nest filled with eggs (beanbags). Cubs try to steal eggs from the other team’s nest and return them to their own without being tagged. If tagged, they drop the egg and return to their nest empty-handed.
Tip: Add decoy eggs or ‘golden’ eggs worth more points for a fun twist!
3.
Giants, Wizards, and Elves
Best for: Large flat space
What you need: Nothing!
Think rock, paper, scissors with a dramatic twist! Teams face off and secretly choose one of three characters: Giants beat Elves, Elves beat Wizards, Wizards beat Giants. Once revealed, the losing team turns and runs to a safe zone whilst the winners chase and tag. Anyone tagged joins the other team.
Tip: Great warm-up game – dramatic gestures and roleplay encouraged!
4.
Forest Engineers
Best for: Wooded or natural areas
What you need: Natural materials (sticks, stones, leaves), string, cards with tasks. Teams race to complete challenges like: ‘build a bridge for a pinecone’, ‘create a den’, or ‘make a trail sign’. Challenges are scattered in envelopes throughout the area, and the first team to complete 3 wins!
Tip: Brilliant for creativity and teamwork – award bonus points for design and good teamwork!
5.
Message Relay
Best for: Forest paths or open fields with cones/markers
What you need: String or cones to mark boundaries, cards with clues or tasks
Create a maze-like course with dead ends and paths. Cubs navigate in teams, collecting clues or solving mini puzzles to reach the ‘temple treasure’.
Tip: Use Scout codes for added fun.
6.
Jungle Maze
Best for: Any open space
What you need: Pre-written ‘secret messages’ on paper strips
Cubs will split into teams – one member runs to a hidden message, memorises a code phrase (no paper taken!), and returns to whisper the message to the rest of their team. If incorrect, they must try again. The first team to get the full correct message will win.
Tip: Have leaders act as ‘jungle spirits’ who can give hints – for a price (e.g. answer a nature fact or sing a camp song!).
7.
Smuggler’s Treasure
Best for: Large field with hiding spots
What you need: Small treasure items (coins, keys, tokens), cones for borders
Smugglers sneak items from one side to the other. Instead of getting tagged, Guards challenge them with mini-tasks: solve a riddle, balance on one foot, toss a ball into a bucket. Success = keep smuggling!
Tip: Add secret routes or ‘safe passes’ to change things up.
8.
Operation Rescue
Best for: Fields or woods
What you need: “Injured” object (e.g. teddy), bandages, stretchers (blankets or sticks)
Teams must rescue and carry an object through an obstacle-filled path (cones, under ropes, balancing areas). Along the way, they’ll face teamwork tasks like blindfold navigation, “radio communication” challenges, or crossing a “lava pit.”
Tip: Focus on problem-solving and communication.
Plan Your Cubs’ Adventure!
Our activities and adventures are all about the experience for your Cubs, but we know being out in the world only adds to your young member’s adventure.
There are LOADS of adventures with a focus on nature where we can tailor-make your Cubs activity holiday, so let’s start planning!
